Oak Leaf Trail attempted sexual assault, Franklin police seek suspect

FRANKLIN, Wis. - Franklin police are investigating an attempted sexual assault that happened Thursday night on the Oak Leaf Trail.

Incident investigation

The details:

Police said the victim, a 41-year-old Franklin woman, said she was assaulted on the Oak Leaf Trail between Drexel Avenue and Puetz Road some time between 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on June 11.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

The suspect is described as a man with tan skin, roughly 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 150–180 pounds with a muscular build. Police said he was dressed in all black, spoke with a deep voice and was wearing a face mask. He was last seen running north toward Drexel Avenue.

What you can do:

The Franklin Police Department asks anyone who may have information or was in the area during the incident to contact Det. Sgt. Mark Goers at 414-425-2522.

Self-defense expert

What they're saying:

Malissa Misch owns MK Protection Strategies in Menomonee Falls, a violence prevention company that specializes in teaching self-defense and methods to avoid violence – like the buddy system.

"I don't recommend going out by yourself at night," Misch said. "The buddy system works, right? Having somebody that's with you. You have their back, they have your back."

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Misch also suggested carrying tools – like pepper spray, a taser, an alarm or a flashlight.

"Even a couple hundred lumens could temporarily blind a bad guy that's attacking us in a parking lot," she said.

If absolutely necessary, Misch also teaches students to go for their attacker's eyes and throat. But above all else, she said, if you sense danger, listen to your intuition and be aware of your surroundings – wherever they may be.

Crime and Public SafetyNewsFranklin